28.55: a) If the magnetic field at point P is zero, then from Figure (28.

46) the current

I 2 must be out of the page, in order to cancel the field from I 1 . Also:
μI μI r (0.500 m)
B1 = B2 ⇒ 0 1 = 0 2 ⇒ I 2 = I1 2 = ( 6.00 A ) = 2.00 A.
2πr1 2πr2 r1 (1.50 m)
b) Given the currents, the field at Q points to the right and has magnitude
μ I I  μ  6.00 A 2.00 A 
BQ = 0  1 − 2  = 0  −  = 2.13 ×10 −6 T.
2π  r1 r2  2π  0.500 m 1.50 m 
c) The magnitude of the field at S is given by the sum of the squares of the two
fields because they are at right angles. So:

2 2 2
μ  I1   I 2  μ  6.00 A   2.00 A 
2
BS = B1 + B2
2
= 0   +   = 0   +   = 2.1 ×10 − 6 T.
2π  r1   r2  2π  0. 60 m   0 .80 m 